Las Cruces woman charged in bank robbery told teller money was for a ransom; she later confessed

LAS CRUCES — The woman charged with last week's robbery of a Las Cruces bank told a teller she needed the money for a kidnapping ransom, then went to a casino that night before confessing to authorities the next day, according to court documents.

Last Thursday morning, Yolanda Boyle of Las Cruces went into the First Convenience Bank branch inside Pro's Ranch Market on Wyatt Drive. Once inside, she handed a note to a teller that read "Put the money in the bag do now (sic)," according to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court on Monday morning.

Boyle, 58, then allegedly told the teller that the crudely written note originated from two men in the parking lot. Boyle told the teller the two men had kidnapped her 7-year-old granddaughter, and she had to pay them to see her, the complaint states.

But Boyle went that night to Sunland Park Casino, according to the complaint. An unidentified man told the FBI Boyle had a "large sum of money" with her and that she gave him some for gambling.

The teller reportedly told investigators she handed to Boyle all the money in the top of her drawer. She estimated that to be $4,000, the complaint states.

When authorities arrested Boyle on Friday, she reportedly admitted to the robbery and had $1,600 in cash.

In her interaction with the teller, Boyle apparently shared too much information, mentioning that she at one time had an account there but had since closed it.

Advertisement

Shortly after the robbery, officials sent out to the media surveillance photos of Boyle and posted them online.

The complaint states that an unidentified Las Crucen recognized Boyle, then alerted a friend working at the First Convenience Bank. Eventually bank officials identified Boyle as a possible suspect.

It is not clear from the court documents where officials found and arrested Boyle.

James Staley may be reached at 575-541-5476. Follow him on Twitter @auguststaley